IAS BlueScopeWIN individual athletes Ellie Jordan and Courtney Buchanan have fenced their way into international contention with a string of outstanding performances.

The fighting talent of this Illawarra duo will be tested at the highest level when the girls step out to compete for Australia in the under-17s division.

IAS acting general manager Shannon Fraser acknowledged the significance of the girls' achievements. "It's a remarkable achievement for anyone to represent their nation but to be selected in the under 17s when only 13 years and 14 years of age is simply outstanding."

Jordan, who competes in the epee category and hails from the Southern Highlands, recently claimed nine medals from 10 events at the National Fencing Championships, making her one of the most successful fencers at the event.

Buchanan, who competes in foil, will soon be training and competing in Tokyo with Japan's best young fencers as part of an invitation to train with the Japanese high performance fencing academy.

The future looks bright for these talented fencers as both Jordan and Buchanan are on track for international recognition with possible national selection for the cadet Commonwealth Championships and the Asian Cadet Championships being held in 2015 in South Africa and Dubai, respectively.

Jordan and Buchanan train weekly in Sydney as part of the NSW team.

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IAS GRADUATES NUMBER AMONG COMMONWEALTH GAMES LINE-UP

The Illawarra Academy of Sport will be well represented at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games with eight former scholarship holders competing for Australia. The IAS board, staff and athletes would like to wish David and Emma McKeon (swimming), Kieran Govers and Tristan White (hockey), Caleb Ewan (cycling), Madeline Heiner (3000m steeplechase), Ryan Gregson (athletics) and Karen Murphy (lawn bowls) all the very best at the Games.

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NOMINATIONS FOR 2015 SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS NOW OPEN

The Illawarra Academy of Sport is calling for nominations for 2015 Sports Scholarships for cycling, golf, athletes with a disability, lawn bowls, individual athletes, hockey, netball, rugby union and triathlon. Academy scholarships provide opportunities for young pre-elite athletes to join the region's leading body for sports training, physical development and education.

Athlete nominations can be submitted online through the IAS website.

IAS scholarships will begin in October following an extensive selection process which includes trials and interviews prior to offers being made. Scholarship programs run for 12 months.

Look out for advertising in the media, check the academy website at ias.org.au or pick up information through local sporting associations and schools throughout the region.

Athletes have a month to apply, with sport trials and athlete interviews being held throughout September.